Ridgid WD4070 vs WD4080

[Mike2874]

Guys I'm trying to decide between the Ridgid WD4070 & WD4080 and hoping for some input. I want a small vac and from what I've read either one will suit me fine. I would mainly use the vac for cleaning out the cars and maybe small cleanup jobs (cleaning dryer duct). I don't have a blower which I've seriously thought about buying but have no idea how often I would use it. I do think a corded blower would be nice though for blowing leaves out of the garage, off my deck and sidewalk things like that.

As far as I can tell the two vacs are identical except the WD4080 has the removable blower, 6hp (vs 5hp on 4070), and is $20 more.

Questions:
1. Is the removable blower on the WD4080 more of a gimmick or is it very useable? Comparable to a standalone corded blower like a Toro or Black & Decker minus their vac/mulcher feature?

2. Is the diameter of the blowing wand large enough to be an effective blower?

3. Anyone know the weight of the removable blower with wands attached... was wondering if it would be lighter or heavier than a standalone blower?

4. WD4080 - A reviewer on Amazon says:
“After 5 months I give this 3 stars kinda of disappointed in this one, wish I had bought the WD4070. The main problem is the exhaust; it shoots out at 45* horizontal angle with leaf blower force. It will blow dust and papers into to the air 10’ away. Ridgid sells a diffuser but it is not made specifically for this. I made an adapter to vent the air upwards. On top of that this thing cannot handle anything 3” or longer, it gets stuck as it enters the vacuum. Filter clogs easily too, and starts to implode upon itself if you don’t clean it, it will just stop pulling up debris.

Was wondering if these complaints would also apply to the WD4070?

7. Just curious but would it make any sense for someone not interested in the removable blower to still buy the WD4080 over the WD4070 for the added HP alone?

8. I will be buying a better hose for whichever vac I end up with… I know any of the three will be a huge improvement. Could someone compare the three and list the pluses/minuses of each: Ridgid 10 ft Pro Grade http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-10-ft-Pro-Grade-Universal-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-Hose-Kit-VT2570/100375877 , Ridgid 10 ft Premium Car Cleaning Kit http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Premium-Car-Cleaning-Kit-VT2534/100638355 , Mr. Nozzle 12 ft M-100-DB Wet/Dry Vac Tool Kit http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000223X5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Which hose would you recommend specifically for the WD4070/WD4080?

 

[djcslice]

I have the WD4070 and like it a lot. I also have the car adapter that you linked (2nd link). Both have been great for my occasional usage and the size was my justification. The problem with using the hose from the car kit for normal wet vac usage is the restriction on the end use side. Its really only useful for the car attachments.

 

[rallenc]

Can't speak to the vac but love the first hose listed. Makes life so much easier, especially storage.

 

[Mike2874]

Keep the comments coming I'm all ears!

 

[Mike2874]

Gosh sure was hoping for some more input especially from anyone who owns or has owned the WD4080. I have no doubt the WD4070 is really nice.

Also was hoping for more comments on the hoses.

 

[FigureItOut]

Although I don't own either, I think I can answer your question about the blower. I have the slightly more powerful WD1850, and the blower is not at all adequate for leaves. I'd suggest you leave that consideration out of your decision.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Mike2874]

Although I don't own either, I think I can answer your question about the blower. I have the slightly more powerful WD1850, and the blower is not at all adequate for leaves. I'd suggest you leave that consideration out of your decision.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

Thanks FIO that's exactly what I was hoping to find out... if the blower on the WD4080 was any good. Since the detachable blower was the main reason I was considering it I'll just buy the WD4070.

On the hoses I've pretty much decided on either the Ridgid Pro Grade or the Mr Nozzle. I was hoping someone had some knowledge on the Mr Nozzle hose like how it would differ from the Pro Grade. I think I read somewhere the Mr Nozzle swiveled on both ends but maybe didn't have a locking tab at the vacuum connection. On the other hand the Pro Grade only swiveled at the vacuum end plus had a locking tab. Not sure of all this though so would like some confirmation.

 

[DHCrocks]

get the Mr Nozzle M-500-DB set, its a larger 2" hose and about equal to the standard 2-1/2" shop vac hose in size. its 12' long so you get a little bit more.

it comes with only one swivel end and two non-swivel ends. you can purchase the swivel end separately which I recommend as it is much easier to use.